Here are the classes that we recommend you take during your first year as a Computer Science major at Chapman.
For your first semester, we recommend taking 12-15 credits (most classes are 3 credits; those with labs are 4). You must be enrolled in 12 credits to be considered a full-time status student. The recommended courses below will put you at 15 credits per semester (Fall and Spring).
Introductory Math Requirement
General Education Classes
You can choose a General Education (GE) class from any GE category – it’s your choice. In general, the following GE areas are recommended to begin/complete during your first year:
GE Language Study (strongly recommended)
GE Written Inquiry
GE Quantitative Inquiry (This can be satisfied with Math 110, Math 111, MATH 115 or appropriate AP credit)
Note: Some GE courses may “double count” with your major or minor. Students can share up to 9 credits between major and GE requirements and can share up to 6 credits between minor and GE requirements. Visit the General Education Program site to review the GE policies and see a list of approved courses for each GE area.
You can learn more about general education on our General Education: How it Works page.
AP Scores
If you have AP credit for the following areas, make the appropriate substitutions this fall:
4 or higher AP Calculus AB or a 3 in Calculus BC |
Take Math 111 in the Fall instead of Math 110 |
4 or higher AP Calculus BC |
Take MATH 116 in the Spring instead of Math 115 in the Fall |
Fall Semester
FFC 100B - Grand Challenges
Credits: 3
Note: All first-year students at Chapman have to take First Year Foundations in their first year of enrollment. It is recommended you enroll in this class in the first semester as a larger number of course sections are available in the Fall semester. As a Computer Science major, you must select an FFC 100B option from the Schmid and Fowler Colleges’ Grand Challenges in Science and Engineering category.
MATH 110 - Single Variable Calculus I OR MATH 115 - Accelerated Calculus Part I
Credits: MATH 110: 3 Credits and Math 115: 4 Credits
Note: Majors must complete one of the two calculus course sequences offered:
Option 1: Math 110 (3 credits) + Math 111 (3 credits) + Math 210 (3 credits)
Option 2: Math 115 (4 credits) + Math 116 (4 credits)
CPSC 230 - Computer Science I
Credits: 3
ENGR 101 - Foundations of Design and Fabrication
Credits: 3
CPSC 298 - Intro to Nix
Credits: 1
Note: Intro to Nix is sections 1, 2, and 3.
GE Class or minor exploration (optional)
Credits: 3
Spring Semester
SCI 150 - Grand Challenges in Science I
Credits: 1
MATH 111 - Single Variable Calculus II or MATH 116 - Accelerated Calculus Part II
Credits: MATH 111: 3 Credits and Math 116: 4 Credits
CPSC 231 - Computer Science II
Credits: 3
NATURAL SCIENCE 1 with Lab
Credits: 4
Note: Students must complete two corresponding Natural Science courses with labs. Options are: BIO 204L/BIO 205L, CHEM 140L/CHEM 150L, PHYS 101L/102L.
GE class or minor exploration
Credits: 3
GE class or minor exploration (optional)
Credits: 3